Page 27 of Spring Tide

“Oh? Okay, great.” He pushes off the bed, his tall frame towering over me as he stands. “I’ll, uh, I need to get going, then.”

I offer a tiny smile as he shuffles around me, beelining for the exit. I take a step to my right, he takes a step to his left, and then we’re both awkwardly bumping and brushing against one another as we leave my room. In the end, I quietly trail behind him down the hallway.

Once we’ve passed by the living room, he turns on his heel, eyes meeting mine. We’re standing in the empty foyer now. His hands are in his pockets; mine are tangled in the ends of my hair.

“Thanks for all your help.” His gaze flits around my face for a moment, settling on that singular freckle above my nose. “I honestly think I’m making progress.”

“Of course, a deal’s a deal.”

He frowns, wrinkles his nose. “Just because we made a deal doesn’t mean I can’t be thankful for you.”

“In that case, you’re welcome.” An unexpected smile cracks my lips. “We can probably just stick to one session a week from now on. Does Tuesday still work for you?”

“I’ll request time off from the pier.”

“Perfect.”

His lips part, close, and then part again. Something unspoken sits on the tip of his tongue, but all that comes out is “See you next week.”

“See you then.”

* * *

It’smy second week of interning, and I’m practically in love. Working for a professional sports team, or hell, even a collegiate sports team, is my lifelong dream. All I’ve done so far is review training schedules with Minh, discuss common baseball injuries, and develop imaginary treatment plans.

But I don’t really care. I’m having fun learning from the team. Not to mention, spending more time with Nate is an obvious plus. I swear I caught him checking me out on more than one occasion—once when I bent over at the water fountain and then again when we made eye contact by the lockers.

It’s the sole reason I wore this tight black athletic outfit today. I slipped my jacket’s zipper down a little extra, exposing just enough sports bra cleavage to still be considered appropriate.

I mean, come on. This is the athletic training department, not an office setting.

“How’s my favorite intern?” Nate’s voice is smooth like honey as he sidles up next to me. It’s the third time I’ve caught his attention this afternoon, so I’m planning on taking full advantage of it.

“Actually, I’m pretty excited.” I clasp my hands together, an unfiltered smile spreading across my cheeks. “Minh’s letting me develop next week’s conditioning program.”

He scratches the back of his neck, the muscles in his arms bunching and contracting with every tiny movement. “Are you gonna make us bust our asses in the weight room?”

“I was thinking about it.”

“Anything I could do to change your mind?” His lips turn up in a smirk. “You know, I’m not opposed to begging.”

“Oh?” I size him up, gaze drifting from the top of his forehead down to the soles of his shoes. “I think I’d like to see that.TheNathan Gunderson, begging on his knees.”

“For you? That could be arranged.”

Shocked laughter slips out. “You’re so full of it.”

“Yeah, that may be true.” He folds his thick arms over his chest. “But I still think you should come out with me this weekend.”

“What?” I blink, a warm mixture of giddiness and confusion bubbling in my stomach.

“Yeah, a few of us are going out to the bars on Saturday night.” His fingertips graze the crux of my arm. “I want you to be there.”

For some reason, a million thoughts race inside my head. Imaginary plans are taking root, settling in the once-vacant spot on my calendar.

“Oh, um, yeah. I could probably make that work.”

“Probably?” His brow raises in amusement. “I’m looking for a yes, Harps.”

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